8 things parents should never tell their kids

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published a lifestyle piece offering advice on phrases parents should avoid saying to children, especially during stressful periods when families are spending more time together. The article frames the issue as part of managing family relationships and emotional health, warning that harsh or dismissive language can affect how children understand their own feelings and behavior.

The list includes remarks such as calling a child “dramatic,” “selfish,” or “stupid,” dismissing their emotions, saying “I wish you’d never been born,” comparing them unfavorably with a sibling, or placing adult responsibilities on a son by calling him “the man of the house.” It also criticizes rigid dinner-time pressure such as forcing a child to finish food before dessert, saying this can influence autonomy and eating habits. The piece argues that parents should separate criticism of a child’s actions from judgments about the child’s character.

The article also notes that children often model emotional behavior from adults, so language used in moments of frustration can have lasting effects. More broadly, the guidance reflects common parenting advice: avoid shaming, validate feelings, and use discipline without demeaning a child. While the publisher presents the advice as practical guidance rather than news, the topic is relevant to families navigating stress, conflict, and communication at home.